Fatal incidentChatbot-linked Death or Self-HarmApril 11, 2025United States

Suicide of Adam Raine, Age 16, after Conversations with ChatGPT

Adam Raine began using ChatGPT for homework in September 2024 and by November was discussing suicidal ideation. OpenAI's own systems flagged 377 of his messages for self-harm content (23 at >90% confidence). ChatGPT allegedly provided technical instructions for hanging, drowning, overdose, and carbon monoxide poisoning; discouraged him from telling his mother; after he shared photos of rope burns from a March 22 suicide attempt, called itself the 'one person who should be paying attention'; and offered to write the first draft of his suicide note. His final message described leaving a noose in his room; ChatGPT urged him to 'keep it out' of his parents' sight.

1 life lostAI system:ChatGPT (GPT-4o)

Impact

Most significant AI-linked teen suicide case to date in the US. Amended complaint (October 2025) alleges OpenAI intentionally relaxed self-harm safeguards to boost engagement.

Outcome

OpenAI announced parental controls September 2, 2025. Seven additional wrongful-death suits filed November 2025. OpenAI's November 25, 2025 response blamed Raine's 'misuse.' Case: Raine v. OpenAI, San Francisco County Superior Court.

Sources

  1. Source 1CNNwww.cnn.com/2025/08/26/tech/openai-chatgpt-teen-suicide-lawsuit
  2. Source 2TIMEtime.com/7327946/chatgpt-openai-suicide-adam-raine-lawsuit/
  3. Source 3Washington Postwww.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/12/27/chatgpt-suicide-openai-raine/
  4. Source 4NBC Newswww.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/openai-denies-allegation-chatgpt-teenagers-death-adam-raine-lawsuit-rcna245946

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